charityNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Stories from Michigan Radio.NPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94charityThu, 29 Jun 2017 09:07:06 +0000charityhttp://michiganradio.org
Cheyna RothCharities might once again be able to tap on your car window to ask for a donation. The practice was wiped out last August. That’s because the state attorney general issued an opinion saying it was illegal. Wednesday lawmakers in the state Senate passed a bill to legalize charitable solicitations at intersections.Charites might be able to “fill the boot” again soonhttp://michiganradio.org/post/charites-might-be-able-fill-boot-again-soon
31882 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 29 Jun 2017 00:33:54 +0000Charites might be able to “fill the boot” again soonCheyna RothThe charities you donate to may not be getting all of the money you send to them. A new report shows that many professional fundraisers – organizations used by charities to solicit on their behalf – keep a large portion of the donations you give. The Michigan Attorney General’s fifth annual Professional Fundraising Charitable Solicitation Report shows that an average of 39% of total donations to fundraisers actually reached their designated charity. The other 61% went to the professional fundraisers. The Better Business Bureau says fundraisers should not keep more than 35% of the donations they receive. Megan Hawthorne is a spokesperson for Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office. She said the best way to make sure your donation is going to your charity, is to donate directly. “Not to say that those fundraisers shouldn’t be able to make their money, but they should be honest with how much is going to the charity,” Hawthorne said. Charities use professional fundraisers for things likeReport: Fundraisers keep more than they donatehttp://michiganradio.org/post/report-fundraisers-keep-more-they-donate
30760 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 11 Apr 2017 01:34:00 +0000Report: Fundraisers keep more than they donateClothing donation bins operated by Houston, Texas-based A.T.R.S. are labeled with claims that 100% of the market value of every donation is given to the Michigan Humane Society. However, an investigation by the Michigan attorney general's office revealed that the company only passed on 6% of its revenues from sales of the donations to the charity, and pocketed 94%. Bill Schuette's office has issued a notice against A.T.R.S., a for-profit clothing bin operator. The order alleges more than 300,000 violations for false labeling. Each violation carries a maximum penalty of $10,000. A.T.R.S. operates 251 clothing bins throughout Michigan. The attorney general's office found that in 2016, it brought in $835,000 in revenue, but only donated $49,000 to the Michigan Humane Society. The case came to the attention of the attorney general's office in the course of investigating another professional fundraiser, Golden Recyclers. When A.T.R.S. renewed its fundraising license, it reported that it hadAttorney general cracks down on false claims on clothing donation binshttp://michiganradio.org/post/attorney-general-cracks-down-false-claims-clothing-donation-bins
30729 as http://michiganradio.orgFri, 07 Apr 2017 18:10:51 +0000Attorney general cracks down on false claims on clothing donation binsStateside Staff"Creating change one glass at a time." That's the idea behind the Feelgood Tap . You sit down at a bar, restaurant or brewery, order a beer that's marked the "Feelgood special," and part of what you spend goes to a designated non-profit.Giving back with a buzz: Non-profit pushes for change, one beer at a timehttp://michiganradio.org/post/giving-back-buzz-non-profit-pushes-change-one-beer-time
29861 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 06 Feb 2017 22:16:32 +0000Giving back with a buzz: Non-profit pushes for change, one beer at a timeStateside Staff"Little Pin. Big Goal." That's the motto of Pincause , the brainchild of two Ann Arbor entrepreneurs. Katy Lind and Nate Stevens have designed a pin supporting women's rights. It's a good bet those pins will be on a lot of lapels and collars at the upcoming Women's March on Washington the day after Donald Trump's Inauguration.Pin created by Ann Arbor couple goes worldwide to commemorate upcoming Women’s Marchhttp://michiganradio.org/post/pin-created-ann-arbor-couple-goes-worldwide-commemorate-upcoming-women-s-march
29423 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 05 Jan 2017 22:06:54 +0000Pin created by Ann Arbor couple goes worldwide to commemorate upcoming Women’s MarchStateside StaffThe Next Idea Would you be willing to take a vacation that's centered around helping others? Perhaps through a church or school group. Maybe it's teaching English. Maybe it's building a school in a struggling country like, say, Haiti. It's called "voluntourism." The intentions are good, but the results might not be as helpful as the voluntourists are hoping for.Voluntourism is more often a "benevolent invasion" than real helphttp://michiganradio.org/post/voluntourism-more-often-benevolent-invasion-real-help
27590 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 18 Aug 2016 21:03:29 +0000Voluntourism is more often a "benevolent invasion" than real helpRyan GrimesThis is the holiest season of the year for Muslims: Ramadan. It's a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. It's also a time of giving.Looking at the charitable side of Ramadan in Michiganhttp://michiganradio.org/post/looking-charitable-side-ramadan-michigan
26923 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 28 Jun 2016 20:13:43 +0000Looking at the charitable side of Ramadan in MichiganSteve CarmodyA Texas-based charity is being warned about its fundraising connected to the Flint water crisis. Michigan’s attorney general says FlintUnleaded.org may be violating the state’s laws on charitable solicitations. Andrea Bitely is with the attorney general’s office. She says they’re keeping an eye on charities claiming to raise money for Flint. “We’re making sure that folks know how to donate to an organization that will actually get the dollars that they want to Flint,” says Bitely . Bitely says the Texas-based charity has been warned, adding she can’t comment on any specific, current civil or criminal investigations. FlintUnleaded.org is the second in the past few weeks to be warned about a lack of transparency and questions about where the money it is raising will eventually go. Information on charities can be found on the state website under “Charitable Trust."Flint water crisis charities under the microscopehttp://michiganradio.org/post/flint-water-crisis-charities-under-microscope
25376 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 23 Feb 2016 20:39:47 +0000Flint water crisis charities under the microscopeMichigan Radio NewsroomAn old, unworn coat taking up space in a closet could be keeping someone warm this winter. St. Vincent de Paul and Art Van Furniture have teamed up to collect these coats for people in need. Today, the partnership kicked off Operation Coat Check. New or gently used coats for children and adults can be dropped off at any Art Van location through Feb. 11. This is the first year that St. Vincent de Paul and Art Van are partnering for the initiative. "They've been such a strong community supporter of St. Vincent de Paul and other nonprofits in the region that we just felt this was a natural fit," said St. Vincent de Paul spokesperson Michelle St. Pierre. She says with the frigid winter temperatures dropping, the need for coats in the Detroit area is greater than ever. "Greater numbers of families are coming to us because they have to decide to heat their homes, feed their families, buy prescriptions or give their children new warm coats that fit," St. Pierre said. St. Pierre says manySt. Vincent de Paul seeking coat donations as temperatures drophttp://michiganradio.org/post/st-vincent-de-paul-seeking-coat-donations-temperatures-drop
24812 as http://michiganradio.orgMon, 11 Jan 2016 21:07:51 +0000St. Vincent de Paul seeking coat donations as temperatures dropSteve CarmodyA new report finds Michigan is the seventh least charitable state in the nation. Wallet Hub is an online personal finance site that churns out a long list of financial best and worst lists. Its latest looks at charitable giving, or in Michigan’s case, a lack of charity. Michigan ranks near the bottom of WalletHub’s charity list for relatively low rates of charitable giving and volunteering. Utah topped the charitable rankings, while Rhode Island was the most Scrooge-like state.Survey finds Michigan more Scrooge-like this yearhttp://michiganradio.org/post/survey-finds-michigan-more-scrooge-year
24472 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 08 Dec 2015 14:33:42 +0000Survey finds Michigan more Scrooge-like this yearSteve CarmodyMichigan non-profits are hoping for a little holiday cheer next week. While it’s not as big as Black Friday or Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is gaining momentum. Giving Tuesday started in 2012 as a way to promote donations to non-profits.Michigan non-profits are hoping donors will be generous on "Giving Tuesday"http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-non-profits-are-hoping-donors-will-be-generous-giving-tuesday
24354 as http://michiganradio.orgSun, 29 Nov 2015 20:53:00 +0000Michigan non-profits are hoping donors will be generous on "Giving Tuesday"Stateside StaffIt's a key scene in one of the most beloved American films –the moment when Forrest Gump starts running. Barclay Oudersluys, 23, of Birmingham, has decided to do for real what Tom Hanks pretended to do on film. He is running across America. It’s called Project Gump and Oudersluys is doing it to raise $10,000 for the Hall Steps Foundation. He hopes the money will go to help build a well in Mozambique. In May, his journey began at the Santa Monica Pier in California and he’s headed to Marshall Point Lighthouse in Maine. That’s 14 states and almost 3,200 miles. In the movie, Forrest Gump attracted a crowd of disciples who ran with him. Oudersluys say people are not flocking to him, but he does have plenty of followers. “I do have some people who contacted me and friends and strangers who wanted to meet up with me while I ran through their town, so I’ve met up with some of them.” He says one of the most surprising sights on his run so far have been zebras on a ranch in Colorado. Michigan runner trying to cross America in 100 dayshttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-runner-trying-cross-america-100-days
22793 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 14 Jul 2015 20:45:33 +0000Michigan runner trying to cross America in 100 daysStateside StaffSmall but mighty. That's the Rotary Charities of Traverse City . They've taken profits from oil and gas wells and put that money right back into improving Traverse City in many ways. It's a perfect example of a non-profit making a powerful impact on its community. The Rotary Charities are connected to the local Traverse City Rotary Club and value the organization's culture of "service above self."How the Rotary Charities of Traverse City happened upon a lucky source of fundinghttp://michiganradio.org/post/how-rotary-charities-traverse-city-happened-upon-lucky-source-funding
22633 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 01 Jul 2015 17:56:19 +0000How the Rotary Charities of Traverse City happened upon a lucky source of fundingStateside StaffHere's the challenge: Get yourself from New Orleans to Detroit. In 36 hours. No cash. No credit cards. Just your charm and ingenuity. Oh, and one other thing: You'll be dressed up as your favorite hero. It's the Escape for Good charity race, and if making your way from New Orleans to Detroit wearing your Batman suit or Forrest Gump beard, trucker hat and sneakers sounds like your thing, you can sign on now for the race that begins Friday. Rocco Gardner is the creator of Escape for Good and he joined us today. *Listen to the interview above.Group wants you to "escape for good" from New Orleans to Detroithttp://michiganradio.org/post/group-wants-you-escape-good-new-orleans-detroit
17706 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 21 May 2014 22:10:54 +0000Group wants you to "escape for good" from New Orleans to DetroitStateside StaffIt's December. That means the airwaves are filled with Holly Jolly Christmases, White Christmases, Jingle Bell Rock and that ever-present Little Drummer Boy. So, in the interest of public service, we thought we'd present a way for you to hear some fresh holiday music, performed by Michigan artists. The CD is called " A Michigan Christmas of Hope ." Holy Cross Children's Services will receive every penny of money raised from the CD. It's one of the largest private providers of specialized schools and children's services in Michigan. Devin Scillian is best known as the anchor on WDIV-TV in Detroit. But, he's also built quite a following as a singer-songwriter. And, joining Devin is Russ Russell of Holy Cross Children's Services. Listen to the full interview above.Michigan musicians record Christmas CD to support children in needhttp://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-musicians-record-christmas-cd-support-children-need
15747 as http://michiganradio.orgWed, 18 Dec 2013 20:35:00 +0000Michigan musicians record Christmas CD to support children in needThe Associated PressLANSING, Mich. (AP) - Poker's rise in popularity has helped Michigan's charities and civic groups stay afloat at a time of dwindling donations from elsewhere. And efforts to rein in a charitable gambling industry that has grown more than 20-fold in a decade are sparking backlash. At stake is the future of "millionaire parties." The casino-style events allow nonprofits licensed to hold gambling events to split cash proceeds with unlicensed poker rooms that provide the space, dealers and supplies. Many churches, veterans groups and prep sports booster clubs like the system, but authorities say "de facto casinos" at bars and poker rooms are out of control. New regulations would restrict the events. A public hearing is expected later this month, and lawmakers could soon weigh in on what has become a contentious issue.Crackdown on Michigan charity poker rooms brings backlashhttp://michiganradio.org/post/crackdown-michigan-charity-poker-rooms-brings-backlash
15097 as http://michiganradio.orgSat, 02 Nov 2013 16:22:00 +0000Crackdown on Michigan charity poker rooms brings backlashJack LessenberryBishop Thomas Gumbleton probably wont vote in the primary today, though he spends his life doing work thats greatly affected by the political world. Nor does he seem impressed that Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum are fellow Roman Catholics. Actually, he seems pretty appalled by them. They take some small part of the churchs teaching and focus on that and ignore everything else, he told me late yesterday, when I went by his office to see him. That office is in an ancient building in a very poor section of Detroit, next to St. Leos, the church he was pastor of for a quarter-century. The surrounding neighborhood looks like a battlefield, and you wouldnt leave your car on the street overnight. Hes totally comfortable there. The church made him give up St. Leos a few years ago, despite angry protests by parishioners. But while they pushed him out of his duties, what he does doesnt look much like retirement. Last month he was in Colombia, working with a town on a mountaintop which isPolitics By Other Means http://michiganradio.org/post/politics-other-means
6402 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 28 Feb 2012 15:36:49 +0000Politics By Other Means Laura WeberMichigan taxpayers who want to get a state tax credit for some charitable donations have about a week and a half left before the credits expire. Governor Rick Snyder and the Republican-led Legislature eliminated the credits as part of a tax overhaul designed to help balance the budget. Many groups say its difficult to predict how the expiration will affect charitable giving. If you give people, ask them seven reasons why they give, for many people the financial and tax benefits is never number one., said Cheryl Elliott, president of the Ann Arbor Community Foundation. But it certainly can affect for peoples giving for how large their gift might be or when they make a gift. Along with food banks, other groups included in the expiring state tax credits are homeless shelters, community foundations, and public institutions such as libraries, museums and public radio stations.Groups brace for end of charity tax breakhttp://michiganradio.org/post/groups-brace-end-charity-tax-break
5533 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 22 Dec 2011 23:06:48 +0000Groups brace for end of charity tax breakMark BrushEarlier this month, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism started using a mitten image to represent the shape of its state. Michiganders took umbrage. In their mind, there is only one true Mitten State. Now, tourism officials in both states are working to convert the light-hearted flap over mittens into a donation drive. More from the Associated Press: MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Tourism officials in Wisconsin and Michigan are trying to parlay their recent dust-up over mittens into a donation drive. The two states tourism departments got into a good-natured battle last week over whose state has the better claim to looking like a mitten. Now the states are trying to capitalize on the publicity with the Great Lakes Mitten Campaign, an effort to collect mittens for charities. Wisconsin officials are urging people to drop off mittens at state travel centers around the state and participating chambers of commerce through Jan. 15. The mittens then will be donated to local charities. MichiganWisconsin and Michigan use mitten flap to launch donation drivehttp://michiganradio.org/post/wisconsin-and-michigan-use-mitten-flap-launch-donation-drive
5373 as http://michiganradio.orgTue, 13 Dec 2011 19:52:12 +0000Wisconsin and Michigan use mitten flap to launch donation driveLindsey SmithNearly 500 volunteers served a hot meal to more than 1,300 people in need Wednesday night. Thats a record for the Holland Rescue Mission which has held the annual dinner for nearly 20 years. The non-profit runs a number of programs to help lift people from poverty. Volunteers in clean white aprons hoist large trays with several plates full of turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy. One after another they run the trays from the serving line to the dinner tables where other volunteers host their guests; making conversation and joining in the feast. Its not just its heres your food good-bye thank you, said volunteer coordinator Martha Wing. Its sitting down and the blessing of having conversation around the table and being able to have relationships, Wing added, To me thats the blessing. Holland is a big enough small town that people really can help their neighbor in very real ways, said Holland Rescue Mission Executive Director Darryl Bartlett. He says host volunteersHolland Rescue Mission throws record-breaking Thanksgiving Banquethttp://michiganradio.org/post/holland-rescue-mission-throws-record-breaking-thanksgiving-banquet
5133 as http://michiganradio.orgThu, 24 Nov 2011 02:36:00 +0000Holland Rescue Mission throws record-breaking Thanksgiving Banquet